Last year, two of our colleagues reached an important milestone: Ildikó Kovács and Éva Szőke‑Solymosi have been strengthening our team for twenty years. Through their work, personalities, and professional dedication, they have become defining contributors to the company’s history.

Long‑term commitment is a rare treasure today, and we are proud to celebrate two colleagues who have grown with us for twenty years, shaped the organization, and provided stability to both our clients and our team.

Now let’s take a look at Éva Szőke‑Solymosi’s professional journey with us:

20 Years with Us: Zhe Story of Éva Szőke-Solymosi

Spending 20 years at the same workplace is truly exceptional today. We are proud that our colleague, Éva Szőke‑Solymosi, has been enriching BPO‑TAX Adó és Könyvviteli Szolgáltató Kft. with her expertise and stability for two decades.

Éva, as a tax and accounting expert, is an indispensable member of our team.

A milestone like this is a perfect opportunity to look back at the beginnings, reflect on how things have changed, and talk about what it takes to stay motivated and professional at the same company for twenty years.

How do you remember the early days? What was your first day like?

For me, it felt like a birthday present, because I started working at BPO‑TAX Adó és Könyvviteli Szolgáltató Kft. the day before my birthday.

I joined as a complete beginner — I was still studying the profession — but it felt great that the company hired me without experience and taught me. Besides my school studies, I could finally see the practical side of the profession as well.

Back then, there were only about ten of us, and the whole company fit into one office in the Nagy Lajos location.

The community was strong, and after each quarterly VAT period, we held “VAT after parties” to relax and unwind together.

What was the first task or project that really stuck with you?

After one of my colleagues left, I took over several companies and became their primary contact. This was when I first got a taste of reporting and even English‑language communication. Although I still received help (and it definitely wasn’t ChatGPT 😊), it made me incredibly proud that such responsible tasks were entrusted to me.

This experience not only helped me develop professionally but also boosted my confidence — it reassured me that I belong here and that I am valued.

What has kept you at the company for 20 years?

Continuous opportunities for growth, and the fact that every year at the start of the busy season, I set new personal goals that I worked hard to achieve.

I always had a supportive environment where I could turn for help if I got stuck, and I learned a lot from these moments.

Even when I was on maternity leave for a few years, I stayed connected with the company, and I was warmly welcomed back.

What has changed the most in the profession since you joined?

Technology. Back then, there was no Client Gateway, Company Gateway, or electronic submission. Tax returns and annual reports had to be submitted on paper.

Clients came in to sign the documents, and on the day of the deadline, 3–4 of us (usually the assistants) would divide the returns among ourselves and head to the four APEH offices — North Budapest, South Budapest, East Budapest, and Pest County — to submit the two‑copy forms and bring back the stamped version. We even competed to see who returned to the office first.

We also submitted NYENYI reports on floppy disks, and for annual reports, one of our colleagues would carry two suitcases full of documents to the Ministry of Justice and to the Court of Registration.

We were also far from a paperless office. Clients delivered their monthly accounting documents on paper — in person, by mail, by courier, or sometimes we went to their offices to collect them. Fetching documents was one of my very first tasks.

Is there a moment or achievement you’re particularly proud of?

Probably two.

One is when I transitioned from written to spoken English communication in a single week. It just happened that within seven days I had to meet an Irish client in person (with Laci supporting me as a leader), talk to another client on the phone, and later meet an English couple — that time already by myself.

That week gave me such a boost that afterwards I handled English communication with far less anxiety.

The other is when a large company joined us around ten years ago. We had to take over their accounting, re‑do an entire year, and hold weekly calls with mostly Indian contacts — who were not easy to understand. During our first conference call, my two partners and I looked at each other with wide eyes when we heard the fast, heavily accented English of one of their managers — it was clear this would be a challenge.

But with a lot of work, we managed. We completed the first shared tax top‑up (December 20), then the year‑end closing with the auditors, and on May 31, late in the evening, we submitted their annual report. (Luckily, by then via the Client Gateway!)

How do you see your role within the team?

Over the years, I have experienced many changes in both the company and my personal life, and worked with many colleagues. In different roles, sometimes it was easier, sometimes harder to find my place. But now I’m part of a team where I feel we work well together. We discuss professional questions, support one another when needed, and continuously grow and develop as a team.

I’m especially glad that I can support both BPO‑TAX Adó és Könyvviteli Szolgáltató Kft. and BPO‑AUDIT Könyvvizsgáló és Vezetési Tanácsadó Kft. by handling their accounting.

What do you enjoy most in your daily work?

I enjoy general ledger reconciliation the most — whether it’s before monthly reporting or year‑end closing. It feels great when I review different sections (fixed assets, accounts receivable, tax reconciliations, accruals, etc.), unravel discrepancies, and gradually produce a cleaner and more accurate ledger.

I also love when I can provide support to a client that they truly value and appreciate our professional approach.

What motivates you after 20 years?

Maintaining good client relationships and continuing to provide the professional support that makes them feel choosing our company was the right decision.

What are you like outside of work?

I live in Budapest with my husband and our 8‑year‑old son. A few months ago, I started (or restarted) playing squash after colleagues Kinga and András welcomed me into their little group. It feels great to spend an hour each week releasing stress and energy.

I’ve even managed to get a friend involved, so some weeks I play several times.

Thanks to previous company programs, we also organize escape room outings from time to time with colleagues and friends — and we often involve our families too.

If you had to sum up what these 20 years mean to you in one sentence, what would it be?

I am incredibly proud that I’ve spent 20 years at a company where I started as a complete beginner, gradually advanced by learning more and more, and always received the support I needed to pursue my goals.

I hope we can continue writing this story together.